Antimicrobial and antibacterial thermal-regulating fabric for use in garments, within garments and in other objects

ABSTRACT

The present invention concerns the creating of a fabric made from a novel effective mixture of fibers having antimicrobial properties and fibers providing thermal-regulating properties, for use in the creation of garments and other items used to aid in the health and comfort of the body part and the individual using the fabric. In a preferred embodiment a fifty-fifty mixture of brand name fibers PurThread® having antimicrobial elements, including silver, and Outlast®, having thermal-regulating properties, is made and added to additional fibers having such properties as elasticity and durability and a fabric is woven at least in part therefrom. Some objects that can be created using the prescribed mixture are socks, gloves, body suits, support hosiery and other garments as well as face masks, bedding and wound coverings all helping to deter the setting in of microbes and the thermal-regulation of the body or body part therewithin.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention concerns fabric created from materials having thermal-regulating and antimicrobial and antibacterial properties to provide a comfortable garment that aids in the health of the wearer, and for use within garment and in other objects. More particularly the present invention concerns the specific fabric having these properties and the garments and items made therefrom.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many forms of bacteria, viruses, and other microbes have a surface life ranging from hours to days to years. As such, they are easily transferred from surfaces to people. Once on the skin, bacteria, viruses, and other microbes benefit from the body's production of heat and perspiration because warm, moist conditions are ideal for their growth. Microbial and bacterial growth are especially dangerous to individuals with medical skin conditions such as burns, open wounds, or ulcerations. For individuals who have these compromised conditions or who are prone to getting such conditions, bacterial infections can lead to costly healthcare procedures such as skin grafts and more radically, surgery and amputation. Therefore, managing a healthy, clean environment, that supports the healing of the skin, is critical to preventing serious infections and avoiding extreme outcomes. For example, individuals suffering from diabetes mellitus often develop diabetic foot ulcers due to the actions of the disease and conditions that breed microbes on the foot surfaces. These individuals are then particularly susceptible to develop subsequent bacterial infections, which, if left untreated, can lead to surgery and amputation. The best protection for the human extremities is clothing, which helps regulate body temperature and protects against the soiling of the skin and the reception of harmful external actors, such as microbes and bacteria. Further, in everyday life, the removal of bacteria required, in for example, a public shower or locker room floor, can cause the spread of diseases or uncomfortable conditions such as athlete's foot. It has also been found that the bacteria that leads to colds, viruses that lead to Covid-type infections and influenza can be spread by skin contact. Accordingly, there is a need for a garment to protect the body and preempt the neutralize bacterial and viruses and thereby the development of skin conditions, such as blisters or sores, which, in turn, cause subsequent and more severe skin conditions, while also being capable of preventing infections and treating medical skin conditions over extended periods.

Conventional garments do not provide an effective means for preventing and treating medical skin conditions and are not durable to do so over long periods. Conventional garments have utilized applied nano-silver particles to minimize microbes and bacteria. Silver is known to eradicate bacteria, viruses, and other microbes by interrupting chemical bond formation necessary for survival. Existing garments that utilize applied antimicrobial agents do not last for long periods because the nano-silver particles are typically applied topically to the exterior of fibers in the cloth. The applied antimicrobial agents subsequently wash away over time or are released into the skin by the very action of wearing the garment. The lack of durability of both the antimicrobial agents and the conventional garments utilizing applied antimicrobial agents is a problem not addressed previously.

Conventional garments are created using moisture-wicking materials, which draw excess moisture away from the skin so that the moisture can evaporate naturally. However, garments using such materials are ineffective to prevent and treat infections and medical skin conditions over long periods because moisture-wicking materials have been found to not thermal-regulate the environment between the garment and the skin nor do they possess antimicrobial and antibacterial properties.

The use of conventional fabrics to make items that are used to protect the body in such ways as coverings, wound treatment, bedding and others, has been steadfastly used for millennia. Such fabrics are effective and many are tried and true in the service of a healthy environment for the body; however, conventional fabrics used for such purposes require removal and replacement to prevent infections and disease to set in to the body. It would be advantageous to use fabrics that have properties that would help keep the body free of bacteria and deleterious elements for extended periods of time, such that the healing process can be aided with less attention to environmental concerns.

Accordingly, an environment that is favorable to microbial and bacterial growth may still be present. Moreover, while thermal-regulating fibers have been disclosed in conventional garments, they have not been disclosed for maintaining a healthy skin environment to preempt medical skin conditions while also preventing infections and treating medical skin conditions. A need still exists for an antimicrobial and antibacterial thermal-regulating garment that prevents infection and treats medical skin conditions over long periods. The present invention is directed toward providing such a solution and has key differences distinguishing it from and improving upon existing garments.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a means for covering living bodies and parts thereof for longer periods of time without the deleterious effects of microbes and heat. It is another object of the present invention to provide a fabric that can be used to form numerous items for use on or about a body to deter the seating of deleterious microbes thereon and in while regulating the temperature of the covered part and keeping the subject comfortably in the ambient environment.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent as the description proceeds.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, a fabric is provided, created by weaving at least a first yarn comprising a mix of first antimicrobial embedded fibers and second thermal-regulating fibers, the first antimicrobial embedded fibers being impregnated with particles known to have antimicrobial properties to create, when combined with the second thermal-regulating fibers, the first yarn which is then woven to form an operatively antimicrobial, antibacterial and thermal-regulating fabric. In a preferred embodiment, the yarn of the fabric is made of fibers that are imbued with particles known to have antimicrobial properties, the imbuing affixes the antimicrobial particles in the yarn, such that the resulting fabric has enhanced retention of the antimicrobial properties. In some embodiments, the fabric is fashioned as a sock, shaped for use on human feet. In other embodiments, the fabric is fashioned as one or more of a liner, a glove, a shirt, trousers, bedding, a cast liner and a jump suit.

In a preferred embodiment the antimicrobial particles, know to have antimicrobial properties, are silver salt ions. In some embodiments, the antimicrobial fiber is PurThread® fibers and the thermal-regulating fiber is Outlast® fibers. In some embodiments, the fabric is created of a yarn that, comprises a mix of 50% antimicrobial fibers, and 50% thermal-regulating fibers plus additional yarns having other characteristics desirable to the garment to be created therefrom, as will be explained below. In a preferred embodiment the fabric comprises a yarn having a mix of 31% PurThreads® fibers, 31% Outlast® fibers and 38% of one or more other fibers, the composition of the other fibers can be determined by the desired characteristics of the fabric. The fabric can include at least a second yarn having characteristics complementary to antimicrobial and thermal-regulating properties, so as to add properties to a fabric that are desired in particular garments. It will be understood that for effectiveness, yarn used to make an effective fabric of the present invention should comprises a minimum of 25% antimicrobial fibers and 25% thermal-regulating fibers. In most embodiments both the weft and the warp of the fabric are created of identical yarns.

The fabric of the present invention can be created by weaving a first yarn comprising a mix of 31% first antimicrobial embedded fibers, 31% second thermal-regulating fibers and 38% one or more other fibers, the composition of the other fibers being determined by the desired characteristics of the fabric. A fabric can also be created by weaving the above noted yarn along with yarns of other compositions into a particular fabric having desirable characteristics. The first antimicrobial embedded fibers of the yarn being impregnated or imbued with particles known to have antimicrobial properties to create, when combined, with the second thermal regulating fibers, a yarn which is then woven together, with or without other yarns as noted above, to form an operatively antimicrobial, antibacterial and thermal-regulating fabric. The impregnation of the first fibers, with particles known to have antimicrobial properties, affixes the antimicrobial particles in the yarn, such that the resulting fabric has enhanced retention of the antimicrobial properties. It will be understood that a yarn having a minimum of 25% antimicrobial properties and 25% thermal-regulating properties, as disclosed above, is needed to provide the desired traits.

The present invention relates to a fabric, having particular properties, which can be formed into many types of garments. Particularly, the garment invented is one for preventing infections and treating medical skin conditions. More particularly, the present invention relates to an antimicrobial and antibacterial thermal-regulating garment for preventing infections and treating medical skin conditions over long periods.

Specifically, and in a preferred embodiment, the fabric of the present invention relates to an antimicrobial and antibacterial thermal-regulating garment in the form of a sock comprising a graduated compression, a padding in high impact and sensitive areas, an arch support, a vented upper, a flat toe seam, and a relaxed cuff portion for preventing infections and treating medical conditions over long periods. It will be understood that through simple modifications, other garments for use on other parts of a body, can be made without departing from the novel scope of the present invention.

The present invention comprises a unique combination of two fibers resulting in a garment with antimicrobial, antibacterial, and thermal-regulating properties. One benefit of the present invention over existing articles is the use of a durable antimicrobial and antibacterial fiber. While there has been disclosure of garments using applied nano-silver particles for antimicrobial and antibacterial purposes, the present invention differs in that it comprises a polyester-based fiber infused with non-metallic non-nano-silver salts, such as PurThread® polyester fiber, created by PurThread Technologies, Inc. of North Carolina, in some embodiments. PurThread® polyester fiber is manufactured by blending silver salts and a natural dispersion agent dissolved in a poly-based mixture, which is then extruded into a fiber. The silver infused fiber used in the present invention destroys substantially all bacteria, such as Staphylococcus and Pneumonia, within twenty-four hours of contact. In other forms of the present invention, other materials embodying similar material such as these can be substituted. The present invention improves upon prior existing fabrics by utilizing a fiber with non-nano silver particles embedded into the fiber resulting in a more durable antimicrobial and antibacterial garment that can sustain its properties for a longer period of time than fabrics wherein the antimicrobial properties are added after the fibers are woven into the fabric.

Another benefit of the present invention is the fabric's ability to thermal-regulate a body upon which it is placed. While many prior existing articles comprise moisture-wicking garments, the list of prior existing articles does not include a garment intended to prevent infections and treat medical skin conditions by avoiding perspiration altogether through thermal-regulation. The present invention comprises a fiber capable of thermal-regulation, such fibers as Outlast® viscose fiber, created by Outlast Technologies GmbH, of Heidenheim/Brenz, Germany, are contemplated for use in the creation, of the disclosed fabric. In one embodiment, the use of the Outlast® fibers has been found to minimize perspiration as compared to articles created using fabrics that do not include Outlast®. For example, Outlast® viscose utilizes microencapsulated phase change materials embedded in the fiber which absorb and store excess heat. The stored heat is then released to the body as needed resulting in a constant microclimate. Outlast® viscose can maintain skin surface temperature to within plus/minus two degrees Fahrenheit. While minimal moisture, generated to help cool the skin, is wicked away from the skin by an additional polyester-based material, such as PurThread® polyester fiber (noted above), which also has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. A thermal-regulated environment is essential to preempt the development of sores, such as blisters and ulcers, as well as to prevent infections and treat medical skin conditions. In other forms of the present invention, other materials embodying similar material characteristics such as these can be substituted. The present invention, with respect to an antimicrobial and antibacterial thermal-regulating garment, addresses crucial problems that are not addressed by the prior existing articles for preventing infections and treating medical skin conditions over long periods. Therefore, with the provided solution, the present invention is advancing the art of fabrics.

An object of the present invention is to provide an antimicrobial and antibacterial thermal-regulating fabric that can be formed into any number of useful garments and objects. A further object of the present invention is to provide such a fabric to be made into a garment that will aid in the prevention of infections and treat medical skin conditions over long periods of time, while remaining comfortable relative to skin temperature. An even further object of the present invention is to provide a fabric which can be formed into a garment to prevent infections and treat medical skin conditions over long periods in the form of a sock. Another object of the present invention is to improve the recovery and sustain the health of individuals who suffer from acute skin conditions, such as burns, or chronic skin conditions, such as those caused by diabetes mellitus. Yet another object of the present invention is to improve the quality of life for people suffering from, for example, foot ulcers, athletes suffering from fungal growth or foot odor, individuals suffering from disorders causing neuropathy, and other individuals who are highly active professionals.

A more detailed explanation of the invention is provided in the following description and claims and is illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is perspective view of the fabric of the present invention formed as a garment, particularly a sock.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a mask created using the fabric of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an elevational view of a medical cast having a liner made using the fabric of the present invention

FIG. 3A is a cross sectional view of the cast of FIG. 3 .

FIG. 4 is an elevational view of a body suit created using the fabric of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a cap created using the fabric of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an elevational view of a blanket created using the fabric of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a roll of bandaging material created using the fabric of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of bedding created using the fabric of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an elevational view of support hosiery created using the fabric of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of surgical garments made using the fabric of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a plan view of a glove created using the fabric of the present, invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENT

While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings a number of presently preferred embodiments that are discussed in greater detail hereafter. It should be understood that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated. It should be further understood that the title of this section of this application (“Detailed Description of the Illustrative Embodiment”) relates to a requirement of the United States Patent Office, and should not be found to limit the subject matter disclosed herein.

Referring now to FIG. 1 , in one embodiment of the present invention, an antimicrobial and antibacterial thermal-regulating garment 10 is a unique combination of a durable antimicrobial and antibacterial fiber, such as PurThread® polyester 38 mm 1.6 dtex, manufactured by PurThread Technologies, Inc. of Cary, N.C., and a thermal-regulating fiber, such as Outlast® viscose 40 mm 1.7 dtex manufactured by Outlast Technologies GmbH of Heidenheim/Brenz, Germany. While these two fibers are noted as providing, when combined in the proprietary manner described herein, the desired combined antimicrobial and thermal-regulating properties, it will be understood by persons having ordinary skill in the art that the combinations of other fibers to create similar desirable properties is contemplated in this disclosure and is within the scope of the present invention.

According to information found about PurThread®, the manufacturer embeds pure, natural, recovered silver and copper salts throughout the fibers, offering powerful, durable antimicrobial protection for fabrics. Information about Outlast® fibers indicates that it is manufactured with microencapsulated natural wax applied to textile. These capsules can capture and store body heat, so forming a natural heat buffer. Overheating and the start of sweat production can thus be efficiently avoided. Conventional heat management systems try to channel the sweat that develops and wick it away from the body. Outlast® thermal-materials start working even before the moisture is created. In this way, the amount of sweat can be significantly reduced. And accordingly, if the body temperature fails again, for example due to reduced physical activity, the natural wax releases the stored heat again. Despite fluctuating external temperatures, the user can thus always enjoy a wonderfully balanced climate.

It will be understood that although garment 10 is shown as a sock, other garments, implements and devices can be created using the teaching of the present, invention, without departing from the scope thereof. In other forms of the present invention other materials embodying similar material characteristics such as these can be substituted.

In a preferred embodiment, a fifty-fifty blend of active fibers of PurThread® and Outlast® brand materials is ring-spun into a 20/2 weight yarn, and then combined with other well-known yarns made of such fibers as Nylon®, elastic, and Spandex® to form the fabric 8 that makes up the antimicrobial and antibacterial thermal-regulating garment 10. In other forms of the present invention, different proportions of such materials can be substituted to form differing resultant weight yarn. In one embodiment of the invention as shown in FIG. 1 , the antimicrobial and antibacterial thermal-regulating fabric 8 is used to form a sock 10. Sock 10 comprises, as is known by persons having ordinary skill in the art, a foot portion 12 and an ankle portion 14, leading to a leg portion 16. A relaxed cuff portion 18 is provided at the top of the leg portion 16, around a mouth 20 made of the antimicrobial and antibacterial thermal-regulating fabric 8.

The foot portion 12 comprises padding 22, such as a terry mesh pattern pad, beginning at or near the top of the ankle portion 14, continuing across the heel turn, the bottom of the foot, and over the toes ending at the base of the digits. The padding 22 protects bony prominences such as knuckles, balls of the feet, the heel, and ankle bones from abrasive surfaces while deterring blistering and sores. The foot portion 12 further comprises an arch support 28, a vented upper 26, and a flat toe seam 24. Arch support 28, such as a ribbed compression pattern, is knitted into the arch area providing support beginning at the anterior transverse arch and extending longitudinally to the heal area and transversally from the medial longitudinal arch to the lateral longitudinal arch and over the bridge. Arch support 28 maintains the contour of the foot and minimizes the bunching of the garment 10 to reduce irritation and blisters. Arch support 28 also provides additional circulation support in the mid-areas of the foot. Vented upper 26, such as a mesh weave pattern, provides additional airflow to the foot and ventilation of any moisture. Vented upper 26 is interrupted in the center by arch support 28. Flat toe seam 24 is created by linking the stitches of the two sides of the toe seam together with a single thread, minimizing abrasion to the top of the toes.

The garment 10 further comprises a graduated compression area 29 where the highest compression begins at the end of foot portion 12 with expanding gradient areas, three in foot portion 12 and six in leg portion 16, progressively releasing compression to mouth 20. In a preferred embodiment, graduated compression area 29 begins at a compression of about 20 mmHg, or within the range of 10-30 mmHg, and ends at 8 mmHg, or within the range of 5-15 mmHg. Graduated compression fabric 8 has been found to improve blood circulation to and from the foot. It also has been found to manage an excess fluid buildup, known as edema, in the calf area of the leg. Leg portion 16 and relaxed cuff portion 18 comprise a pattern, such as a Morpul-type stitch pattern (as known by persons having ordinary skill in the art), covering a portion of the calf area and minimizing any constraint to blood flow while providing a stable fit about the foot. Such a stable fit prevents drooping of the garment 10, thereby eliminating the need for a constraining cuff at mouth 20 and the deleterious effects of elastic bands typically contained therein. It will be understood that a complex garment, such as a sock 10 having numerous differing areas with differing functions, will be created using numerous materials, and that the materials in a cloth are introduced using different types of yarn during the weaving process. As such, the areas of the sock 10 that will benefit from materials having the characteristics of the present invention, that is that have antimicrobial and thermal-regulating properties as described herein, will be made substantially of the yarn of the present invention. Other parts of the garment, or any garment made in accordance with the present invention, can be made of yarn of well-known materials having other desirable characteristics for that part of the garment, either including or excluding one or both antimicrobial and thermal-regulating properties in those other areas, without departing from the novel scope of the present invention.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the above noted combination of fibers, as made into the disclosed yarn, can be used to create a fabric or cloth 8 that can be used as a liner for a face mask 30, a cast liner or brace 40, a jumpsuit 50, a cap 60, swaddling cloth or blanket 65, a wound dressing 70, bedding 80, support hosiery 90, surgical garb 100, gloves and/or liners for gloves 110 (including winter gloves, driving glove and surgical gloves and other items as will be known to persons having ordinary skill in the art, such liners may line particular parts of the glove only, such as the palm and back but not the fingers, in for example a surgical glove, in order to retain desired sensitivity in the non-lined areas). In each case, the antimicrobial and thermal-regulating aspects of each will have desirable effects, as will be discussed herein.

In a face mask 30, as shown in FIG. 2 , any manner of connection 32 as known to persons having skill in the art can be used, in the illustration, ear connectors 32 are shown. It will be understood that the fabric 8 of the present invention will have beneficial effects on both surgical and everyday face masks and their users and it is contemplated that both surgical masks and everyday masks will be made using the fabric 8 of the present invention. Mask 30 can have an outer covering 33 of any type of breathable materials and an inner lining 34 made of the antimicrobial and thermal-regulating fabric of the present invention; it will be understood that various other layers, to prevent the transmittal of virus or microbes therethrough can be included, between fabric 8 and outer covering 33, without departing from the novel scope of the present invention. The mask 30, having antibacterial and thermal-regulating properties, will then comprise materials that will comfortably protect the wearer from airborne bacteria and viruses while maintain a comfortable face temperature.

In the cast 40, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 3A, a tubular length liner 42, shown at the ends of cast 40 as extending from each end thereof, of the fabric 8 of the present invention can be created in a manner similar to the creation of the vented upper 26 of sock 10 (FIG. 1 ), but with proportions to coincide with the body part to be placed in a cast 40. In a preferred embodiment, the tubular length liner 42 is made to extend partially out from either end of the cast 40, to aid in control of temperature, as will be understood by persons having ordinary skill in the art. It will be understood that liner 42 can also be sized to remain entirely within cast 40 so as to maintain the cleanliness of liner 42. Cast liner 42 can be placed on the body part prior to casting, or can be included as part of modern ready-made casts. Persons having ordinary skill in the art will understand that cast liner 42 can be added to arm, leg and knee braces, used to support inured limbs not needing casting, in the same manner as with a cast, having a similar effect of providing antimicrobial and thermal-regulating properties to braces. The liner for a brace would be similar in shape and size to one used in a cast 40.

It will also be seen that fabric 8, such as that used as cast liner 42, can be utilized as part of a bandaging system 70 (FIG. 7 ) or support hosiery 100 (FIG. 9 ) and, when made as a jump suit or body suit 50 (FIG. 4 ), can also become the lining of any type of external clothing for use thereunder; when affixed during manufacture to any such clothing, for example, a uniform, such as those used by first responders and for those forced to wear such clothing for extended periods, such as oil derrick workers, military personnel, pilots or others having the need for a uniform over an extended time period. Thereby providing antimicrobial protection, thermal-regulation and a degree of cleanliness otherwise not available with such garments. It will be understood that body suit 50 can be made as a one-piece jumper or divided into a top and a bottom, without departing from the novel scope of the present invention

Referring now to FIG. 5 , it, will be seen that caps 60 for general use and in particular for use by new born infants, along with in particular swaddling cloth or blankets 65 (FIG. 6 ) can be made from fabric 8 to help reduce the chance of or eliminate scalp and body infections that can plague new born children in the hospital and at home. It will be understood that such caps 60, of appropriate size can also be worn by adults in such situations as surgical theaters, and underneath other headgear for first responders or military personnel, all in an effort to better regulate temperature and better eliminate microbes or infections in the scalp over time of use. Blankets 65, shown in FIG. 6 , can also be made of a variety of sizes to be used by adults as well as children, providing comfortable temperature regulation and antimicrobial properties.

Additionally, as shown in FIG. 8 , the fabric 8 of the present invention can also be used to make bedding 80, such as pillow cases 92, fitted sheets 94 and top sheets 96 to provide a clean environment, in hospitals, hotels and at home, which further helps to regulate temperature during sleep.

Referring now to FIG. 7 , bandage roll 70, comprising fabric 8 of the present invention and an outer protective covering 72, made of any known type including cloth or water resistant materials as known to persons having skill in the art, is shown to be of an indeterminate length and width, it will be understood by persons having ordinary skill in the art that any type, size and length of bandage 70, having any length and width, can be created utilizing fabric 8 therewithin, such that the antimicrobial and thermal-regulating properties disclosed herein. Further, in the creation of such bandages, a different mix of the antimicrobial and thermal-regulating fibers disclosed herein, can be used to either make the bandage a stronger antimicrobial agent or provide higher thermal-regulating properties, by using more of one or the other fibers, without departing from the novel scope of the present invention.

FIG. 9 shows a sample of a support hose 90 made using the fabric 8 of the present invention. It will be understood that support hose 90 have been found to have many medical benefits that the inclusion of antimicrobial and thermal-regulating properties of the fabric 8 of the present invention can only increase. Persons having ordinary skill in the art will understand that elements disclosed herein with respect to sock 10 (FIG. 1 ) can be incorporated as well into support hosiery, thus providing support, antimicrobial properties and thermal-regulation to users. It will also be understood that socks 10 and hose 90 can form the base of a shoe liner that can be used by those wearing shoes other than their own, such a bowling shoes or when trying shoes on in a store, to thereby protect the user and the footwear from passing along microbes from one user to the next.

Referring now to FIG. 10 , a garment in the form of surgical scrubs 100 is created using fabric 8 of the present invention. Surgical scrubs 100 having antimicrobial and thermal-regulating properties, as will be understood by persons having ordinary skill in the art, provide an extra layer of protection to surgical patients who are vulnerable to infection and provide a more comfortable garment to a surgical team that may work for hours during an operation. The comfort of the surgical team can, as will be understood by persons having ordinary skill in the art, aid in the efficacy and success of the surgery. FIG. 11 shows a hand glove 110 created using a liner made of the fabric 8 of the present invention. The glove 110 is shown in a form that can be used as a winter type glove, a surgical glove (wherein the liner might be placed solely on the palm and back and not in the finger parts), a cleaning glove, a boxing glove, a driving glove or even a golf glove, all without departing from the novel scope of the present invention. It will be understood that depending on the particular use for glove 110, more or less thermal-regulating fibers or antimicrobial fibers might be used in the mix of fibers to better serve the particular user of glove 110, while maintaining the other of antimicrobial or thermal-regulating effect to the desired degree, all without departing from the novel scope of the present invention.

The fabric of the present invention, in the form of the sock garment shown in FIG. 1 , has been tested and found to be effective towards reduction of bacterial elements and thermal-regulation. As shown in the following test results, included herein:

Test 1

-   -   PT Bio Experiment #505: 24-Hour AATCC-100 Assay of a White Sock:         PT31white_1509     -   Summary: All samples greater than 90% kill.     -   Background: We received a white sock with 31% PT yarn, the         balance being 31% Outlast PET, 31% nylon, 5% “elastic” and 2%         Spandex. This sample had been tested previously at MSC and was         very active against Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella         pneumoniae, but inactive against E. coli.     -   Methods: Samples were taken from the toe, arch, and ankle of the         sock, and then washed in 1% Kirkland laundry detergent and         dried. 100 μl of an overnight culture of E. coli in saline were         added, the sample was transferred to a 50-ml tube, and then         incubated at 37° C. for 24-hours. Dey-Engley neutralization         broth (1.9 mls) was added, the samples were vortexed for 20         seconds, diluted as appropriate, and 10-μl aliquots were placed         on agar enumeration plates and incubated overnight. Colonies         were counted and numbers compared to titers of the inoculum (280         cfu/μl).     -   Results: See Table 1.

TABLE 1 AATCC-100 assay of fabric. Sample % kill Average PT31white_1509 toe 100.0% 97.50% PT31white_1509 toe 95.0% PT31white_1509 arch 99.3% 99.64% PT31white_1509 arch 100.0% PT31white_1509 ankle 100.0% 96.79% PT31white_1509 ankle 93.6% Controls Neg Control (PWP) −8828.6% −9721% Neg Control (PWP) −10614.3% Cfu = colony forming units Negative % indicates growth. Note BookLWF4-181. 5 Jun. 2021

Test 2

-   -   Independent Laboratory Efficacy Test     -   Below are the test results conducted by an independent test         facility of the antibacterial efficacy of the yarn against two         bacterium, Staphylococcus Aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The         test measured the efficacy of the material inoculated with the         bacteria on individual sock samples using standard ATCC test         methods. The chart below shows the percent reduction in the         24-hour period following inoculation of the sock samples.     -   REFERENCE: TS 155946 Sample Type: Knitted Fabric         -   Style: Crew Sample Form: Sock         -   Color: White Size: S, 6-8.5         -   Description: Men's Crew Antibacterial/Antimicrobial Socks         -   Test Completion Date: Feb. 20, 2020         -   Test Facility: Manufacturing Solutions Center             -   201 Conover Station SE; Conover, N.C. 28613     -   Test Results:     -   Antibacterial Finishes:         -   Assessment of Antibacterial Finishes on Textile             Materials—AATCC 100-2012 (modified)

Testing Results: Results: cfu/sample standard inoculum challenge Zero Contact Time 24 hr Contact Time Percent Reduction Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 2.70E+05 1.00E+02 99.96% Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 4352 3.10E+04 1.00E+03 96.77% Calculate % reduction to formula 1) 100 (B − A)/B = R; section 10.2

-   -   Testing Information:         -   Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538         -   Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 4352         -   Growth media: Tryptic Soy Broth         -   Sample size #layers: 1         -   Sterilization: none         -   Neutralizer: 100 ml Letheen Broth w. Tween         -   Target inoc. Level: (1.0-2.0)×105 CFU/ml         -   Inoculum carrier: 0.85% Saline w. 0.05% Triton X100 (per             customer)         -   Inoculum size: 1.0 ml+/−0.1 ml         -   Contact time: 24 h         -   Temperature: 37+/−2° C.         -   Samples are tested as submitted, and taken from the foot of             the sock         -   Samples are prepared and enumerated using automatic             equipment; Tempo, BioMerieux.         -   Cultures stored at 5°+/−2° C.     -   REFERENCE: TS 165805 Sample Type: Knitted Fabric         -   Style: Crew Socks Sample Form: Sock         -   Color: White Size: XL         -   Description: Thermal Antibacterial/Antimicrobial Socks         -   Test Completion Date: Jun. 4, 2021         -   Test Facility: Manufacturing Solutions Center         -   201 Conover Station SE; Conover N.C. 28613     -   Test Results:     -   Antibacterial Activity         -   ASTM Standard E2149-13a “Standard Test Method for             Determining the Antimicrobial Activity of Antimicrobial             Agents Under Dynamic Contact Conditions,” ASTM             International, West Conshohocken, Pa., 2013, DOI:             10.1520/E2149-13A, www.astm.org.     -   This test is accredited under the laboratory's ISO/IEC 17025         accreditation issued by the ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation         Board. Refer to certificate and scope of accreditation L2238

Results: cfu/ml Testing Results: Inoculum Only 1 hr Sample 1 hr Contact Time Percent Reduction Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 3.70E+05 3.10E+04 91.62% Calculate % reduction to 100 (B − A)/B = R; section 12.8

-   -   Testing Information         -   Calculation is based on inoculum only after contact time.         -   Escherichia coli ATCC 25922         -   Growth media: Tryptic Soy Broth         -   Sample weight: 1.0 g+/−0.1 g         -   Sterilization: none         -   Target inoc. Level: (1.5-3.0)×105 CFU/ml         -   Wetting agent: 0.01% TX         -   Inoculum carrier: 7.1 Phosphate buffer         -   Contact time: 60 min+/−5 min         -   Solution activity: not observed         -   Temperature: 35+/−2° C.         -   Samples were tested as submitted and taken from the foot of             the sock         -   Samples are prepared and enumerated using automatic             equipment; Tempo, BioMerieux         -   Cultures stored at 5°+/−2° C.

Referring now to the above test reports (Test 1, 2) relative to the efficacy of the fabric of the present invention towards antimicrobial action, in Test 1, the make-up of the fabric is given in detail as 31% PurThreads®, 31% Outlast® PET, 31% Nylon®, 5% “elastic” and 2% Spandex®, it will be understood that while the brand names for some of these products is shown here, the generic fabric, having the same properties, can be substituted therefore without departing from the novel scope of the present invention. The effective part of the fabric, then, in this embodiment is 62% antimicrobial and thermal-regulating fibers of the type disclosed above and 38% non-active fibers that provide other element of the particular embodiment of the fabric found to be best suited for the use of the fabric. Such that, the non-active fibers in a particular type garment made from the fabric of the present invention will differ from the non-active fibers in another type of garment. A sock will have a different composition of non-active fibers than, for example, that used in bedding. It will be seen that the fabric 8 is over 90% effective at killing Escherichia coli bacteria (E. coli). The independent test lab noted, in Test 1, a better than 91% kill rate in a 1-hour test period. The methodology for the tests is shown therein, showing high antimicrobial effect when made and then after washing. The tests were made on socks 10 created from the fabric 8 of the present invention. Further testing and experimentation continue and final development based on experimentation is being evaluated.

Specific embodiments of novel apparatus for construction of an antimicrobial and antibacterial thermal-regulating garment according to the present invention have been described for the purpose of illustrating the manner in which the invention is made and used. It should be understood that the implementation of other variations and modifications of the invention and its various aspects will be apparent to one skilled in the art, and that the invention is not limited by the specific embodiments described. Therefore, it is contemplated to cover the present invention any and all modifications, variations, or equivalents that fall within the true spirit and scope of the basic underlying principles disclosed and claimed herein.

Although illustrative embodiments of the invention has been shown and described, it is to be understood that various modifications and substitutions may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the novel spirit and scope of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A fabric created by weaving at least a first yarn comprising a mix of first antimicrobial embedded fibers and second thermal-regulating fibers, the first antimicrobial embedded fibers being impregnated with particles known to have antimicrobial properties to create, when combined with the second thermal-regulating fibers, the first yarn, which is then woven to form an operatively antimicrobial, antibacterial and thermal-regulating fabric.
 2. The fabric of claim 1, wherein the impregnation of the first fibers, with particles known to have antimicrobial properties, affixes the antimicrobial particles in the yarn, such that the resulting fabric has enhanced retention of the antimicrobial properties.
 3. The fabric of claim 1, wherein the fabric is fashioned as a sock, shaped for use on human feet.
 4. The fabric of claim 1, wherein the antimicrobial particles, known to have antimicrobial properties, are silver salt ions.
 5. The fabric of claim 1, wherein the antimicrobial fiber is PurThread® fibers.
 6. The fabric of claim 1, wherein the thermal-regulating fiber is Outlast® fibers.
 7. The fabric of claim 1, wherein the fabric is fashioned as one or more of a glove, a shirt, trousers and a jump suit.
 8. The fabric of claim 1, wherein the fabric is fashioned as bedding.
 9. The fabric of claim 1, wherein the yarn comprises a mix of 50% antimicrobial fibers, and 50% thermal-regulating fibers.
 10. The fabric of claim 1, wherein the fabric comprises a yarn having a mix of 31% PurThread® fibers, 31% Outlast® fibers and 38% of one or more other fibers, the composition of the other fibers being determined by the desired characteristics of the fabric.
 11. The fabric of claim 1, including at least a second yarn having characteristics complementary to antimicrobial and thermal-regulating properties.
 12. The fabric of claim 1, wherein the yarn comprises a minimum of 25% antimicrobial fibers and 25% thermal-regulating fibers.
 13. The fabric of claim 1, wherein a weft and a warp of the fabric are created of identical yarns.
 14. A fabric created by weaving a first yarn comprising; a mix of 31% first antimicrobial embedded fibers, 31% second thermal-regulating fibers and 38% one or more other fibers, the composition of the other fibers being determined by the desired characteristics of the fabric; the first antimicrobial embedded fibers being impregnated with particles known to have antimicrobial properties to create, when combined with the second thermal-regulating fibers, the yarn which is then woven together to form an operatively antimicrobial, antibacterial and thermal-regulating fabric, and wherein the impregnation of the first fibers, with particles known to have antimicrobial properties, affixes the antimicrobial particles in the yarn, such that the resulting fabric has enhanced retention of the antimicrobial properties.
 15. The fabric of claim 14, wherein the antimicrobial fiber is PurThread® fibers.
 16. The fabric of claim 14, wherein the thermal-regulating fiber is Outlast® fibers.
 17. The fabric of claim 14, wherein the fabric is fashioned as one or more of a sock, a glove, a shirt, trousers, bedding, a cast liner and a jump suit.
 18. The fabric of claim 14 including a second yarn having supplemental garment desirable characteristics. 